What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Who should take PrEP?
* Individuals who are HIV-Negative
* Individuals in relationships with a HIV-positive partner
* Individuals who have anal or vaginal sex without a condom, multiple partners
* Inject drugs, sharing needles
* High risk and pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
Are there different types of PrEP?
PrEP can be pills or shots.
There are two pills approved for use as PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®.
* Truvada® (https://www.truvada.com/) is for people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
* Descovy® (https://www.descovy.com/) is for people at risk through sex. Descovy is not for people assigned female at birth who are at risk for HIV through receptive vaginal sex.
* Apretude (https://www.apretude.com/) is the only shot approved for use as PrEP. Apretude is for people at risk through sex who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg).
Is PrEP safe?
* PrEP is safe, but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time.
* PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by 99% if taken consistently (Does not protect against STD’s)
* Learn more about side effects from Truvada® (https://www.truvada.com/truvada-safety/important-safety-information), Descovy® (https://www.descovy.com/#isi), and Apretude (https://apretude.com/?gclid=a7814356c97c1d8a1ef62140b1d57e53&gclsrc=3p.ds&).
If you would like to learn more about how IDS specialists can assist with your patient population, request an appointment today by clicking the “Contact us” button above or call (833) 967-2464
